FRA 09-23

September 29, 2023

Contact: FRA Public Affairs

Tel.: (202) 493-6024 

FRAPA@DOT.gov

FRA Announces University of Illinois to Receive $5 Million to Establish the 

National University Rail Center of Excellence

First of its kind effort made possible through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad 

Administration (FRA) today announced the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) as 

the selected institution for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2023 Rail Research and Development 

Center of Excellence (CoE) program. 

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has been awarded up to $5,000,000 to 

establish the National University Rail Center of Excellence (NURail CoE), a pioneering 

initiative dedicated to developing the future workforce while advancing research and expansion

that enhances the safety, efficiency, and reliability of both passenger and freight rail 

transportation.

Led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the NURail CoE comprises a consortium of

nine partner institutions, including the University of Illinois Chicago, University of Delaware, 

Kansas State University, Michigan Technological University, Morgan State University, Rutgers 

University, University of Texas at Austin, and Tuskegee University. This collaborative effort 

represents another step forward in President Biden’s plan to deliver the 21st century rail network 

Americans need and deserve, allocating much-needed investment in the pursuit of cutting-edge 

rail solutions and workforce development. 

The NURail CoE will appropriate its resources towards research areas encompassing a wide 

range of critical topics. Potential research topics may include the development of groundbreaking 

technologies to advance rolling stock, Positive Train Control systems, human factors, rail

infrastructure enhancements, shared corridor solutions, grade crossing safety innovations, 

trespasser prevention strategies, inspection technology advancements, remote sensing 

U.S Department of Transportation

Office of Public Affairs

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590

www.transportation.gov/briefingroom 

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applications, rail systems maintenance approaches, network resiliency solutions, operational 

reliability enhancements, energy efficiency measures, and other pioneering subjects aimed at 

promoting and improving rail transportation.

“This summer, I had the chance to visit the Urbana-Champaign area to celebrate investments 

we’re making there to improve railroad safety,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete 

Buttigieg. “Today, we are proud to provide UIUC with funding to establish the National 

University Rail Center of Excellence, which will pursue pioneering research and innovation to 

make railroads safer across the country.” 

FRA Administrator Amit Bose commended the selection of UIUC and the NURail CoE, 

stating, "The establishment of the NURail CoE is a testament to the dedication and expertise of 

these institutions. This initiative exemplifies our ongoing commitment to building a safer, more 

efficient, and sustainable rail network for the benefit of all Americans."

Under the NURail CoE program, FRA will provide up to 50 percent of the cost of establishing 

and operating the center of excellence and supporting research activities. Each of the nine 

universities within the NURail CoE consortium will contribute a portion of the total non-Federal 

match, demonstrating their commitment to the advancement of rail research and development.

The NURail CoE is set to operate for a three-year duration, allowing ample time for the pursuit 

of transformative rail solutions and innovations that will contribute to a safer and more modern 

rail network across the country.

Detailed information about the NURail CoE and its proposed projects can be found on the 

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign website.

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